Alnwick Castle is in pole position for a prime spot in a Northumberland version of Monopoly.

It is one of the frontrunners for the prestigious places occupied by Mayfair and Park Lane on the classic London original.

John Keen-Tomlinson, partnership manager at Winning Moves UK, said: “Alnwick Castle being at or near the very top of the board seems a good fit. Or it could be part of a Castle set.”

The Northumberland edition announcement was made at Alnwick Castle with Mr Monopoly in attendance.

The public is being asked to choose what should feature in Northumberland MONOPOLY.

placeholder image — The public is being asked to choose what should feature in Northumberland MONOPOLY.

A spokesperson for Alnwick Castle said: “It's lovely to see the county's heritage and visitor attractions being celebrated through this special edition of such an iconic game, and we're pleased that Alnwick Castle is part of this exciting celebration. We look forward to seeing the final line-up when it is revealed.”

The likes of Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, Hexham Abbey, Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Forest, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Northumberland National Park are all expected to feature.

The Chance and Community Chest cards are getting a fun county makeover too.

In all, more than 30 Northumberland landmarks and organisations will feature on their very own piece of MONOPOLY real estate on the new bespoke board.

Rachel Grundy and Edmund Turner from Alnwick Castle with Mr Monopoly at the launch event.

There could even be a place for the Northumberland Gazette.

Mr Keen-Tomlinson said: “It sounds a very good fit. We have included media before and the Fleet Street connection is very strong so it’ll certainly be worth looking out for in the finished product when it comes out in March to see if it is featured.”

However, the public are also getting the chance to make their suggestions. They can be made by email to: [email protected] by July 26.

Northumberland was selected ahead of nine other parts of the UK based on three factors: ‘Sense of Family Values’; ‘Civic Pride’ and ‘Beauty’. Runner-up in the contest was Dorset.